Brighton town hall in brief

Northumberland News

Brighton residents could find a voice at council meetings

BRIGHTON -- Councillors have unanimously passed a motion to reconsider the use of public question period, while introducing a new citizens' comments period to be held immediately following delegations at council meetings.

Brighton residents Roger McMurray and David Green worked with Town staff to draft the recommendation.

"The temporary suspension of question period from the agenda of Brighton council was a huge surprise," Mr. McMurray said, pointing to the integrity commissioner review that prompted the change. "Both the public and the press lost the option to speak on the record at council meetings."

He said the move would increase the relevance of public input at council, by including four diverse means to provide comments: letters, delegations, citizens' comments and a question period.

If approved at an upcoming meeting, members of the public would have a total of 15 minutes to comment, with each speaker limited to a maximum of three minutes.

Those interested in speaking would have to fill out a yellow sheet, and drop it off at the delegation table 10 minutes before meeting is to begin.

Brighton awards ammonia removal contract

BRIGHTON -- A contract valued at over $440,000 has been awarded to Terratec Environmental Ltd., for the land application of biosolids from the Town's waste water treatment plant.

The Town was required to remove the biosolids -- the solid waste that remains after sewage is broken down into a fluid and sludge -- under orders from the Ministry of the Environment on Dec. 6, 2012.

Submitting the lowest bid, Terratec will be responsible for the removal of a total of 27,200 cubic metres of biosolids from two treatment lagoons at the site.

According to staff, the entire project cost will be covered using funds in the sanitary sewer reserves.

"The remaining funds in the reserve are sufficient to complete the other requirements of the MOE order," said Catherine Chisholm, the Town's environmental services manager.

Before accessing those additional funds, the municipality is awaiting the results of its funding application under the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative.

Should that be approved, less money would be required from reserves.

What's in a name?

BRIGHTON -- Following a review of policies in neighbouring municipalities, the Town has approved one for the naming of local assets.

Intended to create a fair, consistent and efficient process, the policy outlines the guidelines for naming and renaming any municipal facilities, buildings, properties, parks, trails and open spaces.

It is not intended to address individual naming of items such as park benches, trees or streets.

According to the Town's chief administrative officer, Gayle Frost, an application would be submitted to the Town, followed by review by council and would include a public consultation process.